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Jefferson County Department of Health2016 Annual Report

Jefferson County Board of Health – 2016Nicole Redmond, MD, PhD, MPH ......................Chair, January 1, 2016 – March 9, 2016

Jennifer R. Dollar, MD ...........................................Chair, March 10, 2016 – July 31, 2016

Max Michael, III, MD ............................................Chair, August 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016

Yocunda Clayton, MD ...........................................Secretary

Joshua Miller, DO

Hernando Carter, MD ...........................................March 10, 2016 – December 31, 2016

Jimmie Stephens .....................................................Commissioner

a Message froM tHe Jefferson County Health OffiCer ....................3

environmental Health..........................................................................4

Primary Care and suPpOrtive services ..............................................7

disease Control and specialty Care services ..................................9

emergency Preparedness ..................................................................10

PuBlic Health acCreditation ..............................................................10

finance and adMinistratiOn ..............................................................11

Quality imPrOvement and deCisiOn suPpOrt ....................................12

PuBlic Health advised fund ...............................................................13

Board of Health actiOns ....................................................................14

general financial information .........................................................15

Health statistiCs .................................................................................17

Jefferson County Department of Health2016 Annual Report

a Message froM tHe Health OffiCer2016 was a sentinel year for the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH). JCDH concluded its first century of improving the health of Jefferson County through population and environmental health services, and through primary care, select specialty health care, and dental services.

Over the past century, Jefferson County’s health needs have evolved from basic sanitation and control of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera, to health conditions associated with health behaviors including diet, physical activity, tobacco and drug use, and

emerging diseases such as the Zika virus. These conditions require new strategies to protect and promote Jefferson County’s health. During 2016, JCDH developed an ambitious strategic plan for 2017-2021 to respond to changes in health conditions as JCDH begins its second hundred years of service.

This report highlights some of JCDH’s activities and accomplishments in 2016 and sets the stage for JCDH’s second century of protection and promotion of the health of Jefferson County.

Mark E. Wilson, MD Health Officer

3 preParing fOr a new century of publiC healtH

Central Health Center1400 6th Avenue South | Birmingham, AL 35233

933-9110

eastern Health Center601 West Boulevard | Roebuck, AL 35206

591-5180

Morris Health Center590 Morris Majestic Road | Morris, AL 35116

933-4242

Western Health Center631 Bessemer Super Highway | Midfield, AL 35228

715-6121

environmental HealthThe Environmental Health Division of the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) supports public health through a variety of activities including the monitoring and regulation of various pollution sources, inspection services and issuance of permits, environmental education, and the development and support of policies that protect health.

JCDH is responsible for air pollution compliance monitoring for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the six principal air pollutants determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide. Throughout 2016, the Birmingham area was designated as being in attainment for all NAAQS. Listed below are the numbers of air quality inspections completed, complaints investigated and permits and notifications approved in 2016.

2016 annual repOrt - jeffersOn cOunty department of healtH 4

2016 Permits and notifiCatiOns apPrOved

tyPe nuMber of apPrOved Permits and notifiCatiOns

Asbestos Abatement 207

Gasoline Tanker Truck 107

Industrial Commercial Air Permit

42

2016 environmental Health inspectiOns

tyPe nuMber of inspectiOns

Gas Tanker Truck Vapor Tightness Certification

987

Compliance Inspection for Non-Permitted Source

390

Asbestos Inspection 105

Full Compliance Inspection for Permitted Source

103

Stack Test Observation 34

Dry Cleaning Facility Inspection

23

2016 environmental Health CoMplaint investigations

tyPe nuMber of investigations

Air Pollution 187

Open Burning 100

Asbestos 9

Indoor Air 3

In addition to outdoor air quality, JCDH is concerned with indoor air quality, especially the exposure of Jefferson County residents to tobacco smoke. JCDH collaborated with the City of Mountain Brook by educating residents and public officials on the health benefits of a strong smoke-free air ordinance. Mountain Brook’s smoke-free air ordinance passed in September 2016 and was enacted on November 1, 2016. This ordinance includes a ban on tobacco products and E-cigarettes in public indoor facilities within the city. This ordinance includes a distance requirement of twenty feet between smokers and nonsmokers. JCDH also performed 242 Food and Drug Administration tobacco inspections of tobacco retail facilities to enforce advertising regulations and restrictions of tobacco sales to youth.


Equally important to Jefferson County’s health is water quality, in which JCDH Environmental Health plays an active role. Twenty-one cities in Jefferson County are monitored for storm water outfalls and water quality, which aid in promoting the value of water resources. In support of water quality, JCDH and the Valley Creek Cleanup Committee held the Sixth Annual Valley Creek Cleanup in August 2016 with 172 volunteers stationed at six cleanup sites. During the event, 31.9 tons of trash and debris were removed from the creek and along the roadside. Environmental Health also educated 129 builders and municipal officers on the Erosion and Sedimentation Control and Storm Water Operation Procedures. Community education was provided through pamphlets on “How to Keep Our Water Clean,” “Protecting Streams and Storm Drains from Pet Waste Pollution” and “Proper Disposal of Pesticides”.

Among the more traditional environmental health services provided by JCDH are food, lodging and community sanitation. Environmental Health’s Food and Lodging Protection subdivision educated the 4,000 food establishments in Jefferson County on the 2013 Food and Drug Administration Food Code adopted in Alabama in 2016. Inspection software was updated to reflect the newly adopted standards and assure the software’s proper function and data comparability in inspection scoring. The tables across reflect the type and number of food and lodging permits issued, inspections completed, complaints investigated and food safety education provided.

2016 Permits issued

tyPe nuMber of Permits

Food Service Establishment 1,725

Limited Food Service 717

Limited Retail Food Store 340

Child Care 284

Retail Food Store 206

Day Care Center 205

Temporary Food Service Vendor

190

Public School Lunchroom 159

Bar and Lounge 149

Mobile Food Vendor 142

Ballpark Concession Stand 140

Hotel/Motel 122

Food Processor 76

Communal Living Facility 64

Nursing Home Kitchen 44

Elderly Feeding Site 31

Private School Lunchroom 28

Hospital Kitchen 14

Other Institutional Kitchen 11

Charitable Non-Permitted Food Establishment

9

Camp 6

Jail/Prison Food Service 6

Summer Feeding Site 6

2016 environmental Health inspectiOns

tyPe nuMber

Food 14,419

Child Care 230

Lodging 146

Communal Living 57

Camp 6

2016 foOd and lodging CoMplaints investigated

Complaint Investigations 1,451

valley creek cleanup


2016 CoMmunity CoMplaint investigations

tyPe nuMber of investigations

Onsite Sewage Disposal 1,486

Sanitation 1,310

Animal Exposure 913

Water Quality 288

JCDH Environmental Health is also making progress in policy promotion including policies related to trails and parks supporting physical activity. To support public investment in parks and trails, JCDH coordinated the May 2016 opening of the High Ore Line Trail with the Freshwater Land Trust, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the City of Midfield and the City of Birmingham. The High Ore Line Trail is located approximately four blocks from JCDH’s Western Health Center. Trail users are encouraged to park at the Western Health Center. Additionally, JCDH funded a phone survey of residents in the seven neighborhoods adjacent to the High Ore Line Trail regarding knowledge of the trail, current physical activity and trail use. The analysis of survey responses was provided to neighborhood officers, the High Ore Line Trail Committee and other partner groups.

2016 foOd safety education by tyPe

tyPe nuMber

Food Handler Training 14,525

Certified Manager Certification 157

Temporary Food Event 43

Community sanitation plays a vital role in keeping communities clean and healthy and protecting vital underground water resources. Listed below are the numbers of public institutions permitted, inspected and environmental complaints investigated.

2016 PuBlic institutions Permitted

tyPe nuMber

Mobile Home Park 54

Body Art Facility 23

Solid Waste Transfer Station 2

2016 PuBlic institution inspectiOns

tyPe nuMber

Pool/Spa 2,820

Onsite Sewage Disposal 1,014

Erosion and Sedimentation 627

Storm Water Sampling 604

School and Jail 481

Garbage Hauler 202

Mobile Home Park 108

Body Art Facility 46

Solid Waste Facility 16

Transfer Station 4


Primary Care and suPpOrtive servicesJCDH continued its commitment to assure access to quality health care services for Jefferson County residents in 2016 by providing over 100,000 patient care visits through its adult health, pediatric, family planning and dental clinics. During the year, patient care was provided in a language other than English for over 16,000 clinic visits.

With the evolving landscape of health care and changes to Alabama Medicaid, JCDH initiated operational changes to strengthen the quality of patient care and increase cost effectiveness. Through a partnership with the Alabama Care Plan Health Home program, care coordinators assisted JCDH providers with the management of patients with chronic diseases. JCDH case managers provided individualized case management to over 11,000 patients. In addition, JCDH partnered with Brookwood Baptist Health in the Patient Transformation Network Grant designed to achieve large-scale clinical care transformation by promoting broad payment and primary care practice reform. This four-year grant supports clinicians in sharing, adopting and developing comprehensive quality improvement strategies.

In 2016, the JCDH Diabetes Clinic achieved accreditation through the American Association of Diabetes Educators. The Diabetes Clinic provides medication management, health behavior modification education and monitors achievement of personalized diabetes self-management goals.

JCDH and the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University launched a post-graduate Ambulatory Care Residency program for second year pharmacy residents in July 2016. The Diabetes, Pre-diabetes, Tobacco Cessation and Naloxone Clinics (Opioid Overdose Kit) facilitated by the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University faculty and residents resulted in supportive care for 337 patients. JCDH expanded its provision of pharmacotherapy services in 2016 through implementing a Cardiovascular Disease Clinic.

JCDH is expanding access to primary care services through innovative service delivery models by partnering with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing to provide post-graduate experience and training for Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs). JCDH hired three recently graduated CRNPs to assist with adult primary care through a one year post-graduate training program. JCDH also provided training for UAB School of Nursing nurse practitioner students. Education for UAB School of Medicine students continued during the year, and a new partnership with the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University provided training for nurse practitioner students.

JCDH purchased machines to provide rapid, on-site glucose control testing (Hemoglobin A1c) in adults and children. These devices enable care providers to better adjust medications during clinic visits. In 2016, JCDH performed 4,746 Hemoglobin A1c tests as part of the 400,000 laboratory tests that supported patient care.

Lack of physical activity contributes to poor health. To optimize health, JCDH, the UAB Division of Preventive Medicine and the Freshwater Land Trust implemented the Parks Rx program. Through Parks Rx, JCDH provides prescriptions for exercise to its primary care patients.

Primary Care visits fOr fiscal year 2016

service area nuMber of Patient visits

Pediatrics 54,420

Family Planning 22,497

Dental Health 12,986

Adult Health 10,533

Total Primary Care Visits 100,436

The Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) provided nutritious foods, nutrition counseling and access to health care to 44,036 Jefferson County residents in 2016. Approximately half of all infants born in Jefferson County participate in the WIC program, a program shown to reduce overall health care cost. JCDH dedicated additional staff to educate new mothers and enroll infants in the WIC Program at UAB Hospital’s Women and Infants Center during the year.

During 2016, JCDH partnered with other organizations in educating Jefferson County residents on health care services and providing health screenings. Through the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources’ Resource Fair, 200 social workers were informed about services available through JCDH. Information on lead poisoning prevention, immunizations, WIC and the Naloxone Prescription Clinic was conveyed at a variety of community events. During the year, 119 health education materials were translated into additional languages for distribution to Limited English Proficiency patients and community members during health screenings and other events. One such community event, co-provided with the UAB Eye Clinic, was the Gift of Health held in December 2016 where health screening, influenza vaccination, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and tuberculosis (TB) testing, family planning services, and health education were provided at no-charge to approximately 500 participants.

JCDH continued to serve as a Reach Out and Read program site. Over the past decade, more than 25,000 books have been distributed through Western Health Center to children from ages six months to five years.

One goal of Dental Health’s outreach efforts is promoting the importance of a dental home and regular dental visits to prevent and treat oral disease. Dental Health provided care for over 6,000 uninsured and underserved Jefferson County residents and over $1.5 million in preventive care and dental treatment services during 2016. Dental Health promoted oral health awareness and disease prevention by providing oral health screenings, education and educational materials at community health fairs, schools and day camps across Jefferson County. Through an ongoing collaboration with Project Homeless Connect and One Roof, 422 dental visits and over $73,000 in dental care were provided at no charge to the homeless population.


parks rx

gift of healtH

disease Control and specialty Care servicesIn addition to primary health care services, Jefferson County Department of Health’s (JCDH) specialty care clinics provide disease-specific screening, treatment and prevention services. The Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic placed over 2,000 skin tests and performed over 1,000 blood tests to detect TB exposure, and evaluated over 1,000 individuals for latent TB infection with chest x-rays. The Adult Immunization and International Travel Clinics administered over 2,500 immunizations and provided consultations to 504 individuals travelling internationally. The Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic provided testing, evaluation and treatment during more than 20,000 clinic visits in 2016 to protect individuals from the spread and complications of STDs.

The TB Control Program reduced the burden of TB by educating, evaluating and providing therapy for county residents with suspected or confirmed active TB and those diagnosed with latent TB infection. During 2016, 14 active TB patients (an 18% decrease from 2015) were managed with directly observed medication therapy. For each TB case, a contact investigation was conducted to identify, evaluate and, if indicated, treat the over 1,700 individuals exposed to TB to prevent disease spread. Outreach activities provided education and exposure screening at fourteen events within the communities and facilities where TB cases are most likely to be identified.

A 22% increase in syphilis cases in Jefferson County was observed in 2016. The syphilis increase occurred among the heterosexual population, with an alarming increase among women of childbearing age. Corresponding with the increased cases in women of childbearing age, three new congenital syphilis cases, the first since 2011, were detected. Syphilis infection is associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Among Jefferson County residents diagnosed with primary or secondary syphilis in 2016, approximately 32% had a prior diagnosis of HIV. One of every 25 syphilis patients who was HIV negative when diagnosed with syphilis became HIV positive. In response to these findings, the STD Program will add Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services in 2017 to decrease HIV infection.

Zika virus, a communicable infection associated with serious birth defects, emerged as a disease threat for Jefferson County in 2016. JCDH performed surveillance of Jefferson County residents with risk factors for the disease who had traveled to countries where Zika virus is prevalent and of pregnant women who had traveled to these areas regardless of disease risk factors. Zika virus surveillance included interviews, prevention and control measures, and collection of laboratory specimens. In addition to disease assessment, JCDH’s Prevention and Epidemiology Program and the Environmental Health Division inspected homes in the communities surrounding each Zika virus case to identify and eliminate potential mosquito harbors. The Prevention and Epidemiology Program also provided disease prevention education in communities with confirmed cases of Zika virus.

In addition to work in Zika virus protection, the Prevention and Epidemiology Program investigated disease outbreaks occurring within Jefferson County. JCDH collaborated with the Alabama Department of Public Health during 2016 on an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, which causes diarrhea, in Jefferson County and two other Alabama counties. Foodborne illness and other disease investigations were conducted in nursing homes, schools, restaurants and day care centers throughout the county. With the exception of cryptosporidiosis, no other significant trending in disease outbreaks was reported during the year.

As part of JCDH’s mission to prevent disease and protect against public health threats, the Prevention and Epidemiology Program provided DETECT (Decrease Epidemiological Threats with Environmental Controls and Testing) presentations to hospitals, physician’s offices, schools, day care centers, colleges and universities, and nursing homes.


emergency PreparednessThe Emergency Preparedness and Response Division (EP) focused on continual community preparedness and response activities to reduce the public health impacts of emergencies in Jefferson County. EP collaborated with the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the Jefferson County Healthcare Coalition to ensure public health preparedness. On June 30, 2016, as part of Jefferson County’s Cities Readiness Initiative, the Jefferson County Department of Health, in partnership with the Fultondale Police Department, the EMA and the Jefferson County Board of Education, tested the ability to dispense life-saving medications and medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile within 48 hours. This exercise was conducted in preparation for an efficient and effective response to a potential major medical emergency.

PuBlic Health acCreditationJCDH continued to meet the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Standards for local health departments throughout 2016. In assuring continued compliance with PHAB Standards, processes such as the Public Health Law Review and new guidelines for presenting key information to the Board of Health were implemented to continue improving JCDH’s performance.


finance and adMinistratiOnThe Finance and Administration Division of JCDH provides administrative and financial support and leadership for the organization through human resources, risk management, general services, information systems, vital records, accounting, payroll and financial services.

During 2016, forty-two full-time employees and six interns were hired and oriented, and nine retirement applications were processed by the Human Resources subdivision. The annual Employee Team Building Experience was planned and conducted in November 2016 to promote employee cross-collaboration and team building skill development.

To promote the physical safety of JCDH properties, two site inspections resulted in additional building security measures and enhancement of the Guy M. Tate building’s card access system. JCDH also conducted a motor vehicle audit and required employees driving company vehicles to complete a defensive driving course.

Internet security is a top priority for JCDH. In 2016, the Management Information Systems (MIS) Division upgraded multiple firewalls and spam and internet filters to protect JCDH’s business continuity and electronic protected health information. With a virtualization renaissance of the data center, JCDH data systems are now more reliable through minimized downtime and enhanced disaster recovery capabilities. The revitalized data center decreased hardware and software costs, enabled streamlined systems management and is more energy efficient.

Not only has JCDH improved its technological security and reliability, the MIS Division championed industry leading technologies by collaborating with WebEx to install a new Lifesize video conferencing system to improve conferencing capabilities with outside agencies. A new Voice Over Internet Protocol phone system was implemented in 2016 replacing the outdated analog phone system.

2016 vital reCord Certificates issued

Certificate tyPe nuMber issued

Death 51,425

Birth 33,963

Marriage 1,466

Divorce 441


vital reCordsDuring 2016, Vital Records issued over 87,000 birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. Vital Records also issued ten Autism Driver Identification Cards to individuals diagnosed with autism.

Quality imPrOvement and deCisiOn suPpOrtThe Quality Improvement and Decision Support (QIDS) Division provides assessment, planning and evaluation services for JCDH’s internal and external operations. QIDS leads the organization’s quality improvement and performance management programs and is a key contributor to ongoing Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accreditation. QIDS provides policy support to the Board of Health through white papers and draft resolutions.

During 2016, QIDS continued its role in Community Matters 20/20 by updating aspects of the Community Health Assessment for Jefferson County, Alabama and updating the Community Health Improvement Plan for Jefferson County, Alabama 2014-2019 Work Plan (CHIP), the county’s strategic plan for health. At the end of the second year of CHIP implementation on October 31, 2016, more than 90% of the 163 tactics were completed or on track for on-time completion.

QIDS provided support for the Health Action Partnership (HAP) of Jefferson County as representatives of JCDH, one of the HAP’s three anchor organizations. The HAP’s Action Agenda is implemented through priority groups organized around the five strategic issues in the CHIP. The Optimizing Healthcare Access Priority Group, led by Jefferson County’s Health Officer, received funding to explore a hypertension-focused, community-based intervention in the Jefferson County zip code with the highest rate of admission to UAB Hospital for uncontrolled hypertension and severe hypertension-related outcomes.

The HAP’s Advancing Health Equity Priority Group, co-chaired by a member of QIDS, implemented a health equity orientation for area organizations and led train-the-trainer sessions preparing the instructors who provided the orientation to over 100 individuals. Additionally, QIDS participated in the development of a guide for understanding and incorporating the Principles for Advancing Health Equity in the workplace.

In conjunction with the HAP’s Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Priority Group, Environmental Health and QIDS assisted in developing and implementing the City of Mountain Brook’s comprehensive smoke-free ordinance and a smoke-free campaign in Irondale. QIDS provided data to create the Built Environment, Transportation and Safety Priority Group’s Health Equity Index for informing utilization of community resources. Finally, QIDS participated in the Improve Mental Health Priority Group whose focus is school-based mental health.

During 2016, JCDH’s International Program, housed within QIDS, collaborated with state and local partners to increase capacity to respond to the county’s demographic diversity. Health equity and diversity training was provided to the Statewide Coalition for a Tobacco Free Alabama, and to the Safe and Healthy Homewood Coalition. For the tenth time since 2007, QIDS assisted in coordinating JCDH’s role in Project Homeless Connect, a one-day, annual event serving over 600 people in or at risk of homelessness with health and dental care.

During 2016, 71% of JCDH staff engaged in one or more quality improvement (QI) activity. Through The Workforce Development Initiative, a training needs assessment based on the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals was conducted. The Tobacco Awareness, Prevention and Cessation initiative expanded access to the Tobacco Cessation Clinic to parents of JCDH’s pediatric patients. The Dental Productivity QI project reduced unfilled chair time, expanding dental service access. Through the General New Employee Orientation QI Team, continuous improvements are increasing satisfaction with employee on-boarding. The Food Handler QI project implemented a revised course curriculum that was well-received by learners. The Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) QI project significantly improved public health employee confidence in performing a CASPER through just-in-time training and with and without field-based experience.

QIDS provided periodic assessments of the implementation of the Jefferson County Department of Health‘s Strategic Plan 2012-2016 throughout 2016. This division led the selection of performance management software to enhance data capture and evaluation.


PuBlic Health advised fundIn 2005, the Jefferson County Board of Health passed a resolution to set aside money from the JCDH General Fund to establish the Public Health Community Projects Fund, now referred to as the Public Health Advised Fund. Investment revenue generated by this fund is used to issue grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, with recommendations from JCDH, to support community health efforts in Jefferson County. This funding arrangement has several advantages: it is sustainable; it utilizes the Community Foundation’s capabilities to issue grants and provide guidance to the recipients along with accountability and evaluation; it can be used to leverage resources outside of JCDH to accomplish more public health work than JCDH could do alone; and grants can be awarded to smaller community organizations that have good plans but limited capacity to win other grants, thus building community grass-roots capacity and promoting health equity.

In 2016, the Public Health Advised Fund provided $69,250 in grant funding to local agencies for projects including:

• “Double Bucks,” a healthy food incentive program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients via the East Lake Market and the Market at Pepper Place. Funding is used to give SNAP recipients double the benefit when purchasing healthy produce. Technical assistance was provided to farmer’s market directors regarding implementation of healthy food incentive programs such as “Double Bucks.”

• A grant to REV Birmingham expanding access to ZYP BikeShare by low income Birmingham residents though a discounted membership. This provides low-income residents with another option for affordable transportation while promoting physical activity. Funding was also provided to offer bike helmets at a low price to encourage safe biking.

• Support to the Children’s Policy Council of Jefferson County to provide capacity-building training for the Mental Health Youth Council (MHYC). The MHYC’s work expanded access of Jefferson County youth to programs such as “Text, Talk, Act” and to activities aimed at reducing the stigma of mental illness.

• A grant to St. John AME Church supporting the Minority Mental Health Summit in July 2016, designed to increase understanding of the mental health challenges experienced by minority populations and identify potential solutions to these challenges.

• A grant to the UAB School of Public Health to fund the ongoing work of the Pills to Needles Initiative, a community-wide partnership of various organizations addressing the heroin/opioid addiction and overdose epidemic in Jefferson County.


double BuCks PrOgraM

Jefferson County Board of Health actiOnsThe Board of Health, comprised of five physicians elected by the Jefferson County Medical Society and the president of the Jefferson County Commission, is the governing board of the Jefferson County Department of Health. The Board of Health approves JCDH’s budget each year, as well as all contracts. The Board of Health has the authority to adopt or revise certain public health regulations, occasionally endorses legislation or policies that promote health and may take other actions to advance public health. For example, in 2016 the Board of Health:

• Passed a resolution authorizing the County Health Officer to issue standing orders for pharmacists in Jefferson County to dispense naloxone. This allows people to purchase naloxone at participating pharmacies without first obtaining a prescription. Naloxone is a drug that reverses opioid overdoses. Subsequently, the State Health Officer posted standing orders for naloxone on the Alabama Department of Public Health website for any willing pharmacist in Alabama to use.

• Passed a resolution authorizing JCDH to purchase naloxone for distribution in Jefferson County at no cost to individuals at risk of opioid overdose or to individuals in a position to assist someone in an overdose situation. JCDH developed Overdose Rescue Kits containing naloxone nasal spray, as well as a hotline to call if a kit is used for a suspected overdose.

• Passed a resolution authorizing transfer of funds to the Jefferson County Commission to build a walking trail in southwest Jefferson County.

• Passed a resolution endorsing efforts to improve access to mental health support services for JCDH clinic patients, and directing JCDH to provide administrative support to help maintain a county-wide partnership addressing the opioid epidemic and to help coordinate an effort to assist people seeking help with addiction to navigate appropriate treatment options.

• Approved the JCDH 2017-2021 Strategic Plan.

• Passed a resolution endorsing state legislation to allow for establishment of syringe service (needle exchange) programs in counties at high risk for the spread of disease related to injection drug use (such as HIV and hepatitis), coupled with disease screening and referral to substance abuse treatment.

• Authorized transfer of funds to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham’s Public Health Fund to support a Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program in Jefferson County. The NFP has a proven track record of improving birth outcomes and early childhood development by pairing trained nurses with first-time, low-income mothers during pregnancy and after birth.

• Through efforts in 2016, the Board of Health and JCDH staff provided support for the successful completion of the Jefferson County Department of Health’s first century of serving the residents of Jefferson County and significantly contributed to planning for the next century of public health.


general financial informationrevenues (general fund - $43,342,631)1. Ad Valorem Tax Revenue ($6,804,473- 16% of General Fund Revenues)

Alabama Act 77-231 provides that the County (and municipalities within the County) shall pay to the Board of Health annually a sum not less than 2% or more than 6% of all ad valorem taxes collected within Jefferson County excluding ad valorem taxes collected for the State of Alabama and all Boards of Education located in Jefferson County. These funds are forwarded to the Jefferson County Department of Health as the taxes are collected.

2. Sales Tax Revenue ($20,841,906 - 48% of General Fund Revenues)

JCDH receives approximately one-fifth of every one cent of Jefferson County sales tax.

3. State & Federal Contracts ($2,380,026 - 5% of General Fund Revenues)

These are primarily dollars received from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) resulting from contracts or subcontracts to administer specific public health responsibilities for Alabama Public Health Area 4, Jefferson County. Examples include developing community and educational programs and monitoring activity in nationally identified public health focus areas such as Maternal/Child Health, Family Planning, Immunization, Tuberculosis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Hepatitis.

4. Clinical Health Care Revenue ($8,683,913 - 20% of General Fund Revenues)

This category represents the amount of reimbursement received for all clinic-related services provided by JCDH. These services include pediatric and adult primary care, family planning and dental care. Using the Federal Poverty Guidelines, JCDH offers a reduced fee for service for patients meeting financial and residential guidelines. Approximately 6% of JCDH’s reimbursement is attained from patients, 86% from Medicaid, 6% from Blue Cross, and the remaining 2% from all other payers combined (e.g., Medicare, etc).

5. Environmental Health Services ($2,918,611 – 7% of General Fund Revenues)

This category represents reimbursement received locally for environmental health services. State law allows fees to be charged to help cover the cost of many of the services provided by the Environmental Health Division such as restaurant inspections, septic system plans and inspections, air pollution permit fees, open burning permits, radiological equipment inspections and food handler training.

6. Other Revenue ($1,713,702 - 4% of General Fund Revenues)

This category is primarily reimbursement received for indirect costs (administration and building overhead) associated with federal grants and contracts such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Air Pollution. Also included are allowable fines levied for violation of public health laws (e.g., air pollution violations), rental fees, parking lot and meter receipts and fees received for copies of vital records. This category also includes earnings from cash and investments. All investments are based on a Board of Health approved investment policy that strictly follows state and county guidelines.


exPenditures (general fund - $40,534,135) Expenditures are generally classified by major public health program with administrative costs and the Capital Fund transfer separately identified. General Fund expenditures for fiscal year 2016 include:

Salaries and Benefits $30,061,987 74%

Materials and Supplies 6,218,245 15%

Contract Services 2,681,959 7%

Uncollectable Debt 189,294 1%

Capital Fund Transfers 1,382,650 3%

Total $40,534,135 100%

JCDH also has ten Special Revenue Funds totaling $6,418,687. Funding is received from federal awards passed through JCDH and designated for activities related to immunization, nutrition, storm water, emergency preparedness and air pollution. These funds are operated in accordance with the funding requirements of special grants and appropriations.


CoMmunicable diseases, 2015 (rates per 100,000 population)

Jefferson County Alabama3 United States3

Chlamydia 700.1 543.6 478.8

Gonorrhea 267.4 148.4 123.9

Syphilis (primary & secondary)

10.6 5.8 7.5

Tuberculosis 2.9 2.4 3

Health statistiCs, 2015*PoPulatiOn by age (2015 Census Bureau Estimates)

<1 year1 8,746

1-14 years 118,530

15-24 years 84,488

25-64 years 352,136

65 years and older 96,633

Total 651,787

Maternal and Child Health, 2015 (number and rate or percent)

Number Jefferson County Alabama2 United States4

Live Births (women age 15-44)

8,746 64.0 per 1,000 62.2 per 1,000 62.5 per 1,000

Low Birthweight Births (<2500 g)

982 11.2% 10.4% 8.1%

Very Low Birthweight Births (<1500 g)

204 2.3% 2.0% 1.4%

Live Births to Teens (women age 15 to 19)

572 27.8 per 1,000 30.1 per 1,000 22.3 per 1,000

Infant Mortality 92 10.5 per 1,000 live births

8.3 per 1,000 live births

5.9 per 1,000 live births

Note: all birthweight and infant mortality data is based on live births


ChroniC diseases, 2015 (Crude Mortality Rate per 100,000)

Jefferson County Alabama2

Heart Disease 214.3 266.9

Cancer 192.3 213

Stroke 32.1 60.4

Alzheimer’s Disease 47.8 46.9

Diabetes 23.5 25.8

Health statistiCs, 2015*


1. 2015 number of live births in Jefferson County2. Rates are based on 2015 population projections. Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH); www.adph.org/healthstats3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); www.cdc.gov4. Based on the preliminary data for 2015 from the US National Vital Statistics Report; http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr64/nvsr64 01.pdf5. Rates are based on the 2015 American Community Survey 1-year estimates for Jefferson County; www.census.gov*2016 Selected Health Statistics will be available in the 2017 Annual Report.

ten leading Causes of deatH by raCe Jefferson County, 2015

Nephritis

Pneumonia and Influenza

Diabetes

Septicemia

Unintentional Injuries

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease

Cerebrovascular Disease

Cancer

Heart Disease

Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 population5BlackWhite

0 55 110 165 220

27.614.3

17.719.7

33.116.4

32.618.4

28.956.4

26.346.6

3043.2

62.451.5

177.7156.5

206.1168

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